Toba Owojaiye reporting
Renowned Hausa actor Alhaji Usman Baba Patigi, widely recognized as Samanja, passed away at the age of 81 following an extended illness. Samanja’s demise occurred last night in Kaduna’s Garden City Hospital. While the family has not officially commented on his passing, sources indicate that the funeral is scheduled for later today at Jaafaru Estate Juma’at Mosque in Kabala Costain, Kaduna.
The Janaiza prayers are set for 10 am at his residence, No. 5 Aduwa Road, Costain Quarters, Kaduna. We fervently beseech Allah for his forgiveness and to grant him a place in Jannatul Firdausi. Samanja, a distinguished figure in the realm of Hausa comedy-films in Nigeria, left a lasting legacy.
Having served as a Nigerian soldier, he contributed significantly to the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Kaduna broadcasting station. Survived by two wives and 14 children, Samanja’s impact extends beyond the entertainment industry, encompassing his dedication to the military and broadcasting.
Today, Nigerians bid farewell to not only a talented actor but also a retired army personnel and broadcaster whose influence shaped the landscape of Hausa comedy-films in Nigeria since 1985. His memory will definitely endure through the laughter he brought and the milestones he achieved in various fields.